Latino Greek Letter Organizations

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by wrussell
If we drop that, we drop our letters. We can't lose the first part. We would be a new organization. At least that is my view.

Here is where my concern lies. I would leave my organization if, one day, the membership somehow became relatively uniform (culturally) and all the programs were geared toward that one culture...AND THEN the National Organization decided to change its focus to that one culture. I don't know if that makes sense...

Example: In 75 years, the membership of Theta Nu Xi is 85% Latina, so at that time, it is decided that Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. will now be Theta Nu Xi Latin Sorority, Inc. - but still maintaining the dedication to multicultural membership.

This is unlikely, but it seems that some older organizations are coming to a point now that they are, in effect, cloaking their original foundations in an effort to embrace the newer multicultural movement - the reverse of what I was describing.

I don't see the bad in a member proudly claiming that his/her organization is Latin/Asian/Black/etc. with a firm commitment to multicultural membership (especially since multiculturalism DOES exist within each of the broader cultures - Latin/Asian/Black/ etc.)

What I observe, with sororities in particular, is members of culturally-specific organizations being OFFENDED when a non-member refers to the org as Latin/Asian/Black/etc. and correcting to say "We are a multicultural organization."

To me, it's like saying, "I'm ashamed that I joined a culturally-specific organization and I want to change the org's entire image to reflect the push for diversity and multiculturalism."

I know that most orgs these days are thrilled to have multicultural membership and many are highly diverse (from what you describe, SLB is one such organization that is quickly becoming very diverse.)

But I would be embarassed to try to say that a multicultural org is any more desirable than a culturally-specific org. And, that is what I'm seeing from too many members of culturally-specific orgs.

Last thing - on the other hand, we have NPHC orgs that are very clear that while they openly welcome diverse membership, they will not be changing their focus, mission, programming or anything to suit the non-Black members. If you join, you know that you will be almost exclusively serving one broad culture.

[wrussell]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
Here is where my concern lies. I would leave my organization if, one day, the membership somehow became relatively uniform (culturally) and all the programs were geared toward that one culture...AND THEN the National Organization decided to change its focus to that one culture. I don't know if that makes sense...

Example: In 75 years, the membership of Theta Nu Xi is 85% Latina, so at that time, it is decided that Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. will now be Theta Nu Xi Latin Sorority, Inc. - but still maintaining the dedication to multicultural membership.

This is unlikely, but it seems that some older organizations are coming to a point now that they are, in effect, cloaking their original foundations in an effort to embrace the newer multicultural movement - the reverse of what I was describing.

I don't see the bad in a member proudly claiming that his/her organization is Latin/Asian/Black/etc. with a firm commitment to multicultural membership (especially since multiculturalism DOES exist within each of the broader cultures - Latin/Asian/Black/ etc.)

What I observe, with sororities in particular, is members of culturally-specific organizations being OFFENDED when a non-member refers to the org as Latin/Asian/Black/etc. and correcting to say "We are a multicultural organization."

To me, it's like saying, "I'm ashamed that I joined a culturally-specific organization and I want to change the org's entire image to reflect the push for diversity and multiculturalism."

I know that most orgs these days are thrilled to have multicultural membership and many are highly diverse (from what you describe, SLB is one such organization that is quickly becoming very diverse.)

But I would be embarassed to try to say that a multicultural org is any more desirable than a culturally-specific org. And, that is what I'm seeing from too many members of culturally-specific orgs.

Last thing - on the other hand, we have NPHC orgs that are very clear that while they openly welcome diverse membership, they will not be changing their focus, mission, programming or anything to suit the non-Black members. If you join, you know that you will be almost exclusively serving one broad culture.

I completely agree. I am proud of our diverse membership and we will always (because we are mostly latino) in the Hispanic world, but I am also proud that we diversify to other programming and try to be come involved in other programming.

[brownsugar952]

Originally posted by preciousjeni

What I observe, with sororities in particular, is members of culturally-specific organizations being OFFENDED when a non-member refers to the org as Latin/Asian/Black/etc. and correcting to say "We are a multicultural organization."

To me, it's like saying, "I'm ashamed that I joined a culturally-specific organization and I want to change the org's entire image to reflect the push for diversity and multiculturalism."

I completely agree with you. I've seen members from a latina sorority in one region (that doesn't have a high latina population) not even admit that they were founded on the advancement of latinas. But then members from the SAME sorority in another region (that has a high latina poplulation) not even mention the word multicultural. It really makes me question why a non-latina can be interested in that sorority. I truly believe in uplifting all cultures but I would NEVER join an organization that will advance another culture before I would advance my own.

I mentioned this in another thread but I am also confused by why there are so many multicultural sororities popping up every day. It seems like multicultural organizations can't be as strong as they can be because people are forming an organization that has the SAME principles as another but they just change around the colors. It almost seems like people don't want to work anymore to join a solid organization. The NPHC wouldn't be as strong as they are now if there were as many black organizations as there are multicultural organizations.

[Tom Earp]

Private I under stand Your feelings.

The thing is, if you get into an Ogranizatoin who puts the BEST FOOT forward and turn in to something not expected, get out!

Being a Member of a Greek Organization is supposed to be a Special Thing.

So, Now, We have MCGLOs and LGLOs so what?

It is because Members who are looking are not happy with what they were looking for!


They as an Individual who looked somewhere else for a reason!

Young Men/Women should Look to who they feel comforatable with!

[rocketgirl]

Originally posted by brownsugar952
I completely agree with you. I've seen members from a latina sorority in one region (that doesn't have a high latina population) not even admit that they were founded on the advancement of latinas. But then members from the SAME sorority in another region (that has a high latina poplulation) not even mention the word multicultural. It really makes me question why a non-latina can be interested in that sorority. I truly believe in uplifting all cultures but I would NEVER join an organization that will advance another culture before I would advance my own.

I agree with this post. I have had conversations with members of a specific latina sorority where they have said oh, we're a multicultural sorority too. And like brownsugar said, other members from other chapters would say, no, we're Latina, not multicultural. I almost think that it's a situation about what makes you appealing on that campus. I've seen girls be interest for a Latina org, then drop line when they become pledges or before because they realize that it isn't multicultural. I don't understand it myself, because I joined my organization because I BELIEVED in the purpose and what the ladies stood for. I can't imagine joining an organization that I believed was multicultural only to find it perpetrating itself. Just another reason why research is crucial before you pledge.

Originally posted by brownsugar952

I mentioned this in another thread but I am also confused by why there are so many multicultural sororities popping up every day. It seems like multicultural organizations can't be as strong as they can be because people are forming an organization that has the SAME principles as another but they just change around the colors. It almost seems like people don't want to work anymore to join a solid organization. The NPHC wouldn't be as strong as they are now if there were as many black organizations as there are multicultural organizations.

I think that's something that many people wonder (including myself). Maybe if there are any founders of these newer orgs on this board, they can explain.

To me, it comes across as people wanting the prestigue of being a founder of an organization. There is no reason to me at this point to start the 30th multicultural sorority. I wonder if people research ALL of the existing orgs before they decide to start their own, because out of all of the organizations out there, I can't imagine that at this point, there isn't something for everyone.


From looking at websites and talking to ladies I've met that have started their own sorority, it seems like some people have a bad experience pledging another org, so they decide to start their own. Whether that be they dropped line, were dropped off line, or had expections that were different (not better or worse in all cases) than what the org was.

Since ALL of the national and I'm sure some of the regional and local orgs are expanding, I wonder if one day it will be like some of the NPC/IFC orgs, where some of the smaller local orgs will attempt to join one of the larger sororities.

Originally posted by Tom Earp

Being a Member of a Greek Organization is supposed to be a Special Thing.

So, Now, We have MCGLOs and LGLOs so what?

It is because Members who are looking are not happy with what they were looking for!

I think the "so what" is that with the concept of an organization that is multicultural by definition and by purpose being so new, it is hard for us to establish what we mean and what we stand for. When you have organizations that don't fall into the category of multicultural that present themselves as such or claim to be, then it makes it even harder for us to establish ourselves.

Also, as preciousjeni said, NPHC is not ashamed to say they are culturally based. You never heard of a Delta or AKA saying yeah we're a multicultural sorority have you? No. And you never will, even though they have a multicultural membership, they will never sway from their roots. Their programming reflects their roots, not the fact they happen to have a member or two that are not African-American. I think what me, preciousjeni, and Private I are trying to get across (and please please correct me if this is off base) is that is seems that some Latina/o chapters and/or orgs seem to be okay with swaying from their culturally founded roots to claim to be multicultural when they are not. It makes no sense if you are proud of what you pledged to claim to be something you're not, especially when NOBODY was claiming to be multicultural until recently. I think myself, I just am trying to understand why.

[wrussell]

Originally posted by rocketgirl
Also, as preciousjeni said, NPHC is not ashamed to say they are culturally based. You never heard of a Delta or AKA saying yeah we're a multicultural sorority have you? No. And you never will, even though they have a multicultural membership, they will never sway from their roots. Their programming reflects their roots, not the fact they happen to have a member or two that are not African-American. I think what me, preciousjeni, and Private I are trying to get across (and please please correct me if this is off base) is that is seems that some Latina/o chapters and/or orgs seem to be okay with swaying from their culturally founded roots to claim to be multicultural when they are not. It makes no sense if you are proud of what you pledged to claim to be something you're not, especially when NOBODY was claiming to be multicultural until recently. I think myself, I just am trying to understand why.

Sigma Lambda Beta is a Latino-based Multicultural Fraternity. What this means is that we were founded by mostly latinos, but our principles state we are based on cultural understanding. Also our membership grows more multicultural by the day, but I do not feel that we are perpetrating because we have begun to do more different programming nor to appear more attractive on our campus.

[LatinaAlumna]

Originally posted by rocketgirl


Also, as preciousjeni said, NPHC is not ashamed to say they are culturally based. You never heard of a Delta or AKA saying yeah we're a multicultural sorority have you? No. And you never will, even though they have a multicultural membership, they will never sway from their roots. Their programming reflects their roots, not the fact they happen to have a member or two that are not African-American. I think what me, preciousjeni, and Private I are trying to get across (and please please correct me if this is off base) is that is seems that some Latina/o chapters and/or orgs seem to be okay with swaying from their culturally founded roots to claim to be multicultural when they are not. It makes no sense if you are proud of what you pledged to claim to be something you're not, especially when NOBODY was claiming to be multicultural until recently. I think myself, I just am trying to understand why.

I, too, cannot understand the "flip-flopping." My organization, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. is a LATINA sorority. That is never going to change, even if the demographics of the membership do. We will always serve the Latina/o community. Our purpose for existing will never change. We do welcome qualified ladies of all backgrounds, but if they pursue the organization, they do so with full understanding that our efforts will primarily go towards the betterment of the Latina/o community. (I say "primarily" because we do also participate in campus events, academic programs, women's empowerment activities, etc. that are not necessarily directed toward a Latina/o audience.)

That being said, I would also like to say that I strongly support the sororities out there that are multi-cultural in founding, in principle, and in membership. I think you are a vital part of campus life, and you are a support system for so many women, from so many different backgrounds. It is very nice to see the increased recognition that the true multicultural sororities are now receiving. There is strength in organizations of one predominate background, and there is strength in organizations with members of many backgrounds.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by brownsugar952
I mentioned this in another thread but I am also confused by why there are so many multicultural sororities popping up every day. It seems like multicultural organizations can't be as strong as they can be because people are forming an organization that has the SAME principles as another but they just change around the colors. It almost seems like people don't want to work anymore to join a solid organization. The NPHC wouldn't be as strong as they are now if there were as many black organizations as there are multicultural organizations.

There are many BGLOs, but you don't hear as much about them because their membership and impact aren't as apparent as that of the NPHC BGLOs that have stood the test of time and settled well into the niche that they have carved.

I believe this is the case with a number of orgs. There are those that will rise to the top. Look, also, at the number of NPC/IFC orgs. But, as many as there are, the number of similar orgs in the U.S. far outnumbers them. It is just that they rose to the top in their niche.

The same goes for all orgs including MCGLOs.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by rocketgirl
I think what me, preciousjeni, and Private I are trying to get across (and please please correct me if this is off base) is that is seems that some Latina/o chapters and/or orgs seem to be okay with swaying from their culturally founded roots to claim to be multicultural when they are not.

You're correct in summarizing my concern but I want to add one thing. Latin organizations are not alone in this. I've seen it in a number of culturally-based orgs.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by wrussell
Sigma Lambda Beta is a Latino-based Multicultural Fraternity. What this means is that we were founded by mostly latinos, but our principles state we are based on cultural understanding. Also our membership grows more multicultural by the day, but I do not feel that we are perpetrating because we have begun to do more different programming nor to appear more attractive on our campus.

I don't want to take this thread into a completely other direction, but I want to point out that this is the argument of the NPC/IFC posters on GC. Although the orgs were founded by majority white, the current orgs are becoming quite diverse; thus bringing confusion to the definition of a "multicultural org."

(Somebody else post! I'm turning into a thread troll!)

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by LatinaAlumna
That being said, I would also like to say that I strongly support the sororities out there that are multi-cultural in founding, in principle, and in membership. I think you are a vital part of campus life, and you are a support system for so many women, from so many different backgrounds. It is very nice to see the increased recognition that the true multicultural sororities are now receiving. There is strength in organizations of one predominate background, and there is strength in organizations with members of many backgrounds.

What a wonderful compliment and astute observation!!

[Private I]

Actually brownsugar, there are a lot of people that join culture specific orgs. that are not members of those specific cultures and I do not think there's anything wrong with that. I do think that it's a personal choice whether a Latina is a member of a BGLO or someone white joined an Asian-interest sorority. But once you do join one of them, you have to understand that the programming etc WILL be geared towards that specific group and that exceptions don't really have to be made, because the members aren't swaying from the original purpose of their org.'s founding.

To Tom: I agree that if people aren't satisfied with what their campus offers, they should look into other things. I think it is the 'founderitis' movement that we were discussing though.

[rocketgirl]

Originally posted by Private I
Actually brownsugar, there are a lot of people that join culture specific orgs. that are not members of those specific cultures and I do not think there's anything wrong with that. I do think that it's a personal choice whether a Latina is a member of a BGLO or someone white joined an Asian-interest sorority. But once you do join one of them, you have to understand that the programming etc WILL be geared towards that specific group and that exceptions don't really have to be made, because the members aren't swaying from the original purpose of their org.'s founding.

To Tom: I agree that if people aren't satisfied with what their campus offers, they should look into other things. I think it is the 'founderitis' movement that we were discussing though.

Agree with both parts. I would never join a Asian sorority and expect there to all of a sudden be a few programs geared towards African-Americans just because I'm around. If I joined an Asian sorority, it would be because I wanted to be involved in the Asian interest programming, not to get more African-American's involved in the organization.

And yes..there is a big rash of founderitis now a days. And it seems to be catching...

[rocketgirl]

Originally posted by LatinaAlumna


That being said, I would also like to say that I strongly support the sororities out there that are multi-cultural in founding, in principle, and in membership. I think you are a vital part of campus life, and you are a support system for so many women, from so many different backgrounds. It is very nice to see the increased recognition that the true multicultural sororities are now receiving. There is strength in organizations of one predominate background, and there is strength in organizations with members of many backgrounds.

Thanks for that I think that all types of organizations work to make the greek system what it is and it's the option we have to join different organizations that makes our decision and dedication to the one we decide to join even more.

[audaz49]

Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. is, as I have said before, a Historically Latina Sorority with Multicultural Membership. I have explained this in my own words, but I would like to quote here what the National Organization as a whole has to say about this:
SLG
Our Guiding Mission & Vision Statement

Mission Statement

Sigma Lambda Gamma strives to be the premier organization committed to providing a mechanism of empowerment to all women.

Through a network of close to 3,000 multicultural sisters from collegiate chapters and alumnae associations located across the United States, we promote academic excellence and higher education for all women via a dedication and incorporation of the sorority principles – Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness, Morals & Ethics, and Social Interaction – in our lives.

Vision Statement

Recognizing our responsibility to the progression of a positive global community, we stress the importance of morals, ethics, and education in our daily lives so that we serve the needs of our neighbors through a mutual respect and understanding of our varying cultures.


These statements are intended to make clear the path that our growth and programming is to take into the future. The programming offered by Sigma Lambda Gamma should be multicultural in aspect if only to fulfill our vision statement, if not, and this should be the real purpose, to fulfill each member's personal values and desires for the growth and education of every woman, something we all should hold dear to us.

I have, in the past, been questioned about the focus of my sorority, and why we bother with multicultural programming when we are clearly a Latina organization (something abundantly evident on my campus), and what I said then is just as true today: Regardless of the race, ethnicity, creed, culture, nationality, or any other difference in women, Sigma Lambda Gamma is here to serve for the advancement and education of every woman, everywhere.